Our teak chairs are back in stock after a busy summer, which means the full range of patio sets is available again, from cosy two seaters right up to generous ten seaters. If you have been putting off buying a garden dining set because you are not sure what size to go for, this guide will walk you through it. Getting the size right is the difference between a set that feels roomy and welcoming and one that leaves guests bumping elbows or squeezing past chairs to reach the back door.
There are really only three questions to answer: how many people you want to seat, how much space you have, and which table shape and chair style suit the way you use your garden.
Start with how many people you want to seat
The first thing to settle is your everyday number, not your once a year maximum. It is tempting to size up for the one big gathering you host each summer, but a table that is too large for daily use can dominate a patio and feel empty most of the time. Think about how many people usually sit down together, then decide whether you want a little extra room for guests.
If you like to entertain, a table with a slightly higher capacity than your usual number is a sensible choice. Many of our larger sets pair well with backless benches, which let you slot in an extra person or two when needed because nobody is fixed into an individual chair.
Measure your space before you fall in love with a set
Once you know your numbers, measure the area where the set will live. The most common mistake is measuring only the footprint of the table and forgetting the space you need around it.
Leave a clearance of at least 70cm behind each chair so people can pull out, sit down and stand up comfortably. If that space is also a walkway, whether to a door, a barbecue or around a border, aim closer to a metre so there is room to pass behind seated guests. Add this clearance to all sides of the table you plan to use, then check the total against your patio.
It is worth marking out the full area with chalk, string or even a cardboard outline before you buy. Seeing the true footprint on the ground often makes the decision obvious.
Choosing your table shape
Table shape affects how many people you can seat, how the set feels and how well it fits your space. Here is how our shapes compare.
Circular tables are wonderfully sociable because everyone can see and talk to everyone else, and there is no head of the table. Round tables suit smaller groups particularly well and are forgiving when an extra guest arrives, since people can shuffle around the edge. They do need a fairly square area to sit in comfortably, so they work best on open patios rather than narrow ones.
Octagonal tables offer a similar sociable feel to round tables but with a little more usable surface and defined seating positions. They are a handsome choice for four to six diners and make an attractive centrepiece.
Square tables are neat and space efficient for smaller numbers, making them ideal for two or four people on a compact patio or balcony. Larger square tables can seat eight with two people to a side, giving a balanced, symmetrical look.
Rectangular tables seat the most people for the space they occupy, which makes them the natural choice for six to ten diners. They also sit neatly against a wall or fence when not fully in use, so they are the most practical shape for narrow gardens and long patios.
Oval tables give you the generous seating of a rectangular table with softer lines and no sharp corners. The rounded ends make it easier to move around the table and to add a chair at either end, so they are a lovely option for larger family gatherings.
Choosing your chairs
We have brought our full chair range back into stock, and the style you choose changes both the comfort and the practicality of your set.
Folding chairs are the most space saving option. They fold flat for easy storage over winter or between uses, so they are ideal if your garden space is at a premium or you only dine outside occasionally.
Folding arm chairs give you the same easy storage with the added comfort of armrests, which make longer meals and lazy afternoons in the garden far more relaxing.
Stacking arm chairs combine comfortable armrests with sturdy, stack away storage. They feel solid and settled in daily use but still tuck neatly into a corner or shed when you need the space back, which makes them a great all rounder.
Backless benches are the most flexible seating of all. They tuck fully under the table when not in use to save space, and they let you seat an extra person or two without adding more chairs. Benches pair especially well with rectangular and oval tables for a relaxed, family friendly feel.
A quick guide by seater count
Two seaters suit balconies, small patios and courtyard corners. A compact round or square table with folding chairs keeps things neat and easy to pack away.
Four seaters are the most popular choice for everyday family use. Round and square tables both work beautifully here, and any of our chair styles will suit.
Six seaters give you room for family plus a couple of guests. Round, oval and rectangular tables all seat six comfortably, so let your space and taste decide.
Eight seaters are made for regular entertaining. Rectangular, oval, octagonal and larger round tables all reach this capacity, with benches a smart way to seat everyone without crowding the patio.
Ten seaters are the choice for big family meals and summer gatherings. Our extending rectangular or square tables are the most practical fit, and combining chairs at the ends with benches along the sides makes the most of the space.
Putting it all together
The best set is the one that matches your everyday numbers, fits your space with room to move, and uses a shape and chair style that suit how you like to spend time in the garden. If you want maximum flexibility, a rectangular or oval table with benches will stretch to accommodate a crowd. If you want something sociable for smaller gatherings, a round table with arm chairs is hard to beat.
Now that our chairs are back in stock across the whole range, this is a good moment to choose the teak table and chair set that will serve your garden for many summers to come. If you are still weighing up two options, get in touch and we will happily help you find the right fit.
